Malena Ernman

Early Life

Sara Magdalena Ernman, known professionally as Malena Ernman, was born in Uppsala, Sweden, and spent her formative years in Sandviken. She pursued her musical education at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, the Music Conservatory in Orléans, France, and the Royal Swedish Opera school, laying a strong foundation for her future career as a mezzo-soprano.

Career

Ernman made her mark in the opera world with her debut in 1997, performing in the premiere of Ivar Hallström's opera "Liten Karin". Her portrayal of Princess Cecilia was noted for its expressiveness. She gained further acclaim in 1998 with her role as Rosina in "The Barber of Seville" at the Royal Opera in Stockholm, where critics praised her impressive technique and character portrayal. Over the years, Ernman has showcased her versatility by performing in various genres, including opera, cabaret, and jazz. Notably, she represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with her song "La Voix", finishing in 21st place.

Personal Life

Malena Ernman is married to actor Svante Thunberg, and they have two daughters, including climate activist Greta Thunberg. Ernman's personal life has been marked by challenges, particularly when Greta faced severe health issues related to Asperger syndrome, which led to Ernman experiencing professional setbacks. Despite these challenges, she has remained politically active, advocating for environmental issues and co-authoring the book "Scenes from the Heart" with her husband, focusing on family and sustainability. Ernman has received several accolades, including being appointed Hovsångerska by the King of Sweden in 2010 and being named WWF-Sweden's "Environmental Hero of the Year" in 2017.